Magnetic Detent for Input Controls

ABSTRACT

Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or more implementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial) includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent mechanism. The rotary input control may be integrated with an input device such as a computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotor assembly includes a rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such as teeth of a gear, spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least one permanent magnet is arranged radially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. This creates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elements rotate through the magnetic field.

BACKGROUND

A variety of kinds of computing devices have been developed to providecomputing functionality to users in different settings. For example, auser may interact with a mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable deviceor other computing device to check email, surf the web, compose texts,interact with applications, and so on. Various types of input devicesmay be employed with the computing devices to enable the user inputs forinteraction with the device such as keyboards, trackpads, touchpads, andpointing devices (e.g., a mouse), to name a few examples. Input devices,such as a mouse or keyboard, may include rotary input controls such as ascroll wheel or a dial. Conventional rotary input controls may employmechanical detent mechanisms to divide rotation into discreteincrements. These detent mechanisms provide mechanically producedrotational resistance designed to enhance the tactile “feel” when usingthe rotary control and enable input to be indexed according to thediscrete increments. Since the detent effect is produced mechanically,the rotary action produces noise that may be undesirable in somescenarios. Additionally, friction produced between mechanically engagedcomponents causes the components to wear down over time, which reducesuniformity of the rotation and decreases the product life cycle.

SUMMARY

Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or moreimplementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial)includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detentmechanism. The rotary input control may be integrated with an inputdevice such as a computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotorassembly includes a rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation andincludes multiple magnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such asteeth of a gear, spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least onepermanent magnet is arranged radially outward from the axis of rotationand configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. Thiscreates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated due tochanges in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elementsrotate through the magnetic field.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different instances in thedescription and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example operating environment that isoperable to employ the magnetic detent techniques described herein inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 depicts an example implementation of an input device of FIG. 1 ingreater detail.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict respective views of portions of an input deviceof FIG. 1 showing an example rotatory assembly in accordance with one ormore implementations.

FIG.4 represents an example scenario for operation of an input controlthat employs a magnetic detent in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 5 depicts a representative arrangement and scenario for a torqueadjustable rotary assembly in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 6 depicts another representative arrangement and scenario for atorque adjustable rotary assembly in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict respective arrangement of magnets relative to arotor of a rotary assembly in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example system that includes an example computingdevice that is representative of one or more computing systems and/ordevices that may implement the various techniques described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Conventional rotary input controls may employ mechanical detentmechanisms to divide rotation into discrete increments. These detentmechanisms provide mechanically produced rotational resistance designedto enhance the tactile “feel” when using the rotary control and enableinput to be indexed according to the discrete increments. Since thedetent effect is produced mechanically, the rotary action may produceundesirable noise and friction that reduces uniformity of the rotationand decreases the product life cycle.

Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or moreimplementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial)includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent device.The rotary input control may be integrated with an input device such asa computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotor assembly includes arotor that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiplemagnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such as teeth of a gear,spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least one permanent magnet isarranged radially outward from the axis of rotation and configured toapply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. The magnet(s) may bearranged in various positions such as being aligned outside of theperimeter/rim of the rotor or positioned alongside the rotor. Themagnet(s) creates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated dueto changes in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elementsrotate through the magnetic field.

The magnetically created detent effect as discussed herein providesnon-contact uniform rotational resistance that improves consistency oftorque for each discrete increment and the accuracy of input operations,such as scrolling. Additionally, little or no noise is produced sincethe detent effect is created without using mechanically engagedcomponents. Friction is also eliminated and accordingly a longer productlife cycle can be attained. Tunable adjustment of rotationalresistance/scrolling torque is also possible by selectively varying thespacing of the magnet(s) relative to the rotor.

In the discussion that follows, a section titled “Operating Environment”is provided that describes an example environment suitable to employ themagnetic detent for input controls techniques described herein.Following this, a section titled “Magnetic Detent Examples” describesexample techniques, devices, arrangements, and details in accordancewith one or more implementations. Last, a section titled “ExampleSystem” describes example computing systems and devices that can employmagnetic detents in accordance with one or more implementations.

Operating Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates an operating environment in accordance with one ormore implementations, generally at 100. The environment 100 includes acomputing device 102 having a processing system 104 with one or moreprocessors and devices (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, hardwareelements, fixed logic devices, etc.), one or more computer-readablemedia 106, an operating system 108, and one or more applications 110that reside on the computer-readable media and which are executable bythe processing system. The processing system 104 may retrieve andexecute computer-program instructions from applications 110 to provide awide range of functionality to the computing device 102, including butnot limited to gaming, office productivity, email, media management,printing, networking, web-browsing, and so forth. A variety of data andprogram files related to the applications 110 can also be included,examples of which include games files, office documents, multimediafiles, emails, data files, web pages, user profile and/or preferencedata, and so forth.

The computing device 102 can be embodied as any suitable computingsystem and/or device such as, by way of example and not limitation, agaming system, a desktop computer, a portable computer, a tablet orslate computer, a handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cell phone, a set-top box, a wearable device (e.g., watch,band, glasses, etc.), and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 thecomputing device 102 can be implemented as a television client device112, a computer 114, and/or a gaming system 116 that is connected to adisplay device 118 to display media content. Alternatively, thecomputing device may be any type of portable computer, mobile phone, orportable device 120 that includes an integrated display 122. A computingdevice may also be configured as a wearable device 124 that is designedto be worn by, attached to, carried by, or otherwise transported by auser. Examples of wearable devices 124 depicted in FIG. 1 includeglasses, a smart band or watch, and a pod device such as clip-on fitnessdevice, media player, or tracker. Other examples of wearable devices 124include but are not limited to a ring, an article of clothing, a glove,and a bracelet, to name a few examples. Any of the computing devices canbe implemented with various components, such as one or more processorsand memory devices, as well as with any combination of differingcomponents. One example of a computing system that can represent varioussystems and/or devices including the computing device 102 is shown anddescribed below in relation to FIG. 8.

The computer-readable media can include, by way of example and notlimitation, all forms of volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storagemedia that are typically associated with a computing device. Such mediacan include ROM, RAM, flash memory, hard disk, removable media and thelike. Computer-readable media can include both “computer-readablestorage media” and “communication media,” examples of which can be foundin the discussion of the example computing system of FIG. 8.

The computing device 102 may include or make use of an input device 126.For example, the computing device 102 may be communicatively coupled toone or more input device 126 via any suitable wired or wirelessconnection. Input devices include devices integrated with the computingdevice 102, such as an integrated keyboard, touchpad, track pad, pointerdevice, a bezel or other touch operable component of a tablet orwearable device, a touch capable display, and so forth. Input devicesalso include external devices and removably connectable devices such asa mouse, wireless keyboard, removable keyboard/cover combination, amobile phone, a wearable device used to control the computing devicethrough a wireless connection, an external touchpad, and so forth. Othernon-conventional configurations of an input device are alsocontemplated, such as a game controller, configuration to mimic amusical instrument, and so forth. Thus, the input device 126 andcontrols incorporated by the input device (e.g., buttons, keys, touchregions, toggles, etc.) may assume a variety of different configurationsto support a variety of different functionality.

In accordance with one or more implementations described herein, aninput device 126 includes a rotor assembly 128 that implements amagnetic detent effect in accordance with techniques described herein.As introduced above, the rotor assembly 128 includes a rotor havingmagnetic elements configured to align during rotation with a magnet(s)that produces a magnetic field. When the rotor is rotated, a magneticdetent effect is created due to changes in rotational resistanceproduced as the magnetic elements rotate through the magnetic field. Therotor assembly 128 may be employed to implement various kinds of rotaryinput controls for various electronic devices, examples of which includebut are not limited to a scroll wheel for a mouse or other input device,a volume dial or other tuning knob for an electronic device; or acontrol wheel or dial for a home or vehicle entertainment system, toname a few examples. Details regarding these and other aspects of arotor assembly 128 can be found in the following discussion.

The input device 126 additionally includes an interface 130 connectableto the computing device 102 to enable communication of inputs signalsfrom the input device for processing by the computing device. Inputsignals conveyed to the computing device include signals generated byoperation of a rotor assembly 128 as described above and below. Thecomputing device 102 is further illustrated as including an input/outputmodule 132 configured to process input signals received from the inputdevice 126 and/or other sources. The input/output module 108 isrepresentative of various functionality relating to processing of inputsand rendering outputs of the computing device 102. A variety ofdifferent inputs may be processed by the input/output module 132, suchas inputs relating to operation of controls of the input device 126,keys of a virtual keyboard, identification of gestures throughtouchscreen functionality, and so forth. Responsive to the inputs, theinput/output module 132 causes corresponding operations to be performed.Thus, the input/output module 132 may support a variety of differentinput techniques by recognizing and leveraging a division between typesof inputs including key presses, gestures, control interaction, and soon.

The environment 100 further depicts that the computing device 102 may becommunicatively coupled via a network 134 to a service provider 136,which enables the computing device 102 to access and interact withvarious resources 138 made available by the service provider 136. Theresources 138 can include any suitable combination of content and/orservices typically made available over a network by one or more serviceproviders. For instance, content can include various combinations oftext, video, ads, audio, multi-media streams, animations, images,webpages, and the like. Some examples of services include, but are notlimited to, an online computing service (e.g., “cloud” computing), anauthentication service, web-based applications, a file storage andcollaboration service, a search service, messaging services such asemail and/or instant messaging, and a social networking service.

Having described an example operating environment, consider now exampledetails and techniques associated with one or more implementations of amagnetic detent for input controls.

Magnetic Detent Examples

FIG. 2 depicts generally at 200 an example implementation of an inputdevice 126 of FIG. 1 in greater detail. In the illustrated example, theinput device 126 includes the rotor assembly 128, which may beconfigured in various ways as described in this document. The inputdevice also includes the interface 130, which represents any suitablyconfigured wired or wireless interface operable to enable connection toand communications with a computing device, including communications tosupply inputs signals from the input device for processing by

Docket No.: 358992.01 the computing device. The input signals includeinputs signals that are generated through operation of the rotorassembly 128.

As depicted, the rotor assembly includes a rotor 202, a magnetic detentdevice 204, and an encoder 206. The rotor 202 represents a rotarycomponent such as a wheel, disk, dial, gear, or other element configuredto rotate about an axis of rotation. The rotor 202 may be configured torotate around an axle that is formed as an integrated component of therotor 202, or alternatively as a separate axle component. Inimplementations, the rotor 202 has a generally circular shape. The rotormay also be formed as or include a gear with a plurality of cut teeth orcogs. Alternatively, the rotor may be implemented using a polygonalshape that has a multi-sided rim. A variety of other rotorconfigurations are also contemplated.

The rotor 202 is configured to include multiple magnetic elementsdisposed around the rotor. Various types and arrangements of magneticelements are contemplated. In implementations, the rotor 202 includesalternating regions of magnetic and non-magnetic material disposed in aradial pattern around the rotor. By way of example, the magneticelements may include gear teeth or spokes having magnetic character thatare integrated with the rotor 202. Gear teeth, spokes, or other magneticelements may be interspersed in an alternating pattern with non-magneticportions, which may include open spaces between the magnetic elements ornon-magnetic material (e.g., plastic and/or rubber) that fills in gapsbetween the magnetic elements. Details regarding example implementationsof a rotor are discussed below in relation to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4.

The magnetic detent device 204 represents functionality to create amagnetic detent effect as the rotor 202 is rotated. The magnetic detentdevice 204 includes an arrangement of one or more permanent magnets thatproduces a magnetic field. The arrangement of one or more permanentmagnets is located such that magnetic elements of the rotor pass throughthe magnetic field as the rotor 202 rotates. The magnetic detent effectoccurs due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magneticelements pass through the magnetic field produces. Example arrangementsof permanent magnets are discussed below in relation to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

In particular, the magnetic field established by the magnetic detentdevice 204 effects rotation of the rotor 202 due to attraction of themagnetic elements to the permanent magnets. Discrete increments inrotation are established by interspersing the magnetic elements in analternating pattern with non-magnetic portions. Accordingly, inputsignals produced via the rotor assembly 128 can be indexed according tothe discrete increments in a way that is comparable to mechanicallyproduced detent approaches.

In implementations, magnets of the magnetic detent device 204 arelocated in a fixed position relative to the rotor 202, which produces aconsistent tactile “feel” and detent effect (e.g., torque level createdby the magnetic field is constant). Alternatively, the magnetic detentdevice 204 is configured to include an adjuster device operable toselectively vary a level of rotational resistance produced. Variousconfigurations of an adjuster device are contemplated. In one or moreimplementations, the adjuster device is designed enable different levelsor “modes” of rotational resistance by changing spacing of the permanentmagnet(s) relative to the rotor and magnetic elements. This change inspacing creates a corresponding change in the magnitude of magnetictorque that is applied and consequently enables selective adjustments tothe detent effect. Details regarding implementations of an adjusterdevice are discussed below in relation to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The encoder device 206 represents functionality of the rotor assembly128 configured to capture data regarding rotation of the rotor andconvert the data into the input signals for communication to thecomputing device. In particular, the encoder device 206 may beconfigured in various ways to detect one or more of, position, speed(e.g., rpms), distance traveled, rotor increments, and other parametersrelated to rotation of the rotor. The encoder device 206 converts inputsupplied by operation of the rotor assembly 128 into input signals thatare conveyed to the computing device 102 (e.g., via the interface 130)for processing and handling via the input/output module 132 orotherwise. Various types of encoder devices are contemplated includingbut not limited to optical and mechanical encoders typically employedwith scroll wheels and other rotary controls. In an implementation, theencoder device 206 may employ a hall effect sensor that is designed todetect rotational parameters based on magnetic field fluctuations thatoccur as the rotor 202 turns.

As noted, the rotor assembly and magnetic detent techniques as describedin this document may be used to input various different types of inputcontrols for various electronic devices. Some illustrative exampledevices and corresponding controls are represented in FIG. 2. Forexample, the rotor assembly 128 may be employed to implement a scrollwheel for a mouse 208, keyboard 210, or other input device 126. Therotor assembly 128 may also be used to implement a dial or rotarycontrol from a mobile device 210, such as a mobile phone, tablet,camera, wearable device, or portable digital media player. Further, therotor assembly 128 may be used in connection with input controls forother electronic devices 214, such as a volume control for an A/Vreceiver, a dial control of a smart home appliance, a rotary control fora vehicle electronic system, and so forth.

Consider now details regarding example implementations of a rotorassembly discussed in relation to examples of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. Inparticular, FIG. 3A depicts generally at 300 a side view of a rotorassembly 128 for an input device 126 in accordance with one or moreimplementations. In this example, the rotor assembly 128 corresponds toa scroll wheel for an input device 126, such as a computer mouse orkeyboard. Although a scroll wheel is discussed, comparable features andcomponents may be employed to implement other types of rotary controlsfor different kinds of devices, examples of which are providedthroughout this document. In the example of FIG. 3A, the rotor assembly128 includes a rotor in the form of gear 302 having an arrangement ofteeth or other magnetic elements. The gear may be constructed of iron orother material having magnetic character. The gear may be encased in anon-magnetic material 304 such as a plastic or rubber cover.Consequently, the teeth along with the surrounding material form analternating arrangement of magnetic and non-magnetic (or reducedmagnetic) material. Other arrangements are also contemplated, such as awheel having magnetic spokes, a disc with magnetic inserts spaced aroundthe disc and so forth.

With respect to the gear 302, the magnetic elements correspond to teeththat are disposed circumferentially at or near to a rim of the scrollwheel. In other arrangements, magnetic elements may be disposed radiallytoward the interior of the rotor/wheel, as represented by the examplespokes 306 shown in FIG. 3A. Generally, multiple magnetic elements arespaced equally around the rotor/wheel. The magnetic elements aredisposed to create multiple discrete points of magnetic resistancearound the rotor. Additionally, the rotor assembly 128 includes amagnetic detent device 204 that is designed to align with magneticelements to provide rotational resistance as the rotor/wheel turns inthe manner described herein.

In the represented example, the magnetic detent device 204 is configuredas a permanent magnet 308 located radially outward from the axis ofrotation of the rotor/wheel. As discussed, a magnetic detent device 204may include an arrangement of one or more magnets position to apply amagnetic field the magnetic elements when a corresponding rotor isrotated. In the context of the example scroll wheel of FIG. 3A, thepermanent magnet 308 is configured to align with teeth of the gear 302as the scroll wheel is turned. This creates the magnetic detent effectdue to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magneticelements (e.g., the teeth) pass through the magnetic field. Inparticular, the detent effect is produced under the influence of themagnetic field based on rotational torque differences existing betweenalignment of the permanent magnetic 308 with teeth and alignment of thepermanent magnetic with gaps or non-magnetic material in-between teeth.

As represented, the permanent magnet 308 is spaced apart from the rotor(e.g., scroll wheel) radially outside of a rim of the rotor in aposition to align with the magnetic elements (e.g., teeth) disposedaround the rotor proximate to the rim. In this arrangement, thepermanent magnet 308 may be centered roughly in alignment with a centralpoint of the axis of rotation and spaced a distance out from the rim.The magnet may have a curved or arced surface that aligns concentricallywith the rim. Alternatively, the magnet may have a flat surface that isaligned approximately parallel to a line tangent to the rim.

In addition, or alternatively, a permanent magnet 308 may be spacedapart from the rotor at a position along a side of the rotor. In thisapproach, at least one magnet is positioned parallel to the axis ofrotation and radially inside the rim of the rotor. The permanent magnet308 positioned in this manner is configured to align with the magneticelements along the side of the rotor at a defined distance from thecenter of the rotor.

Further, a pair of magnets may be arranged on opposing sides of therotor in some scenarios. For instance, the rotor assembly 128 mayinclude a first permanent magnet at position along one side of the rotoras just described and an additional permanent magnet arranged at acorresponding position along an opposing side of rotor. In thisscenario, the magnetic field and changes in rotational resistance areproduced by combined effects of the pair of magnets upon opposing sidesof the rotor.

In general, one or multiple permanent magnets may be arranged in variouscombinations to implement a magnetic detent device 204. Magnets may belocated in fixed positions relative to the rotor 202. As noted above,though, the magnetic detent device 204 may implement adjuster devicesfor one or more of the magnets. An adjuster device is operable to varythe position of a corresponding magnet to selectively move the magnetcloser to or farther from the rotor. Changing the distance of apermanent magnet relative to the rotor produces a corresponding changein rotational resistance that is applied to the rotor by the magnet.100401 FIG. 3B depicts generally at 310 a perspective view of the rotorassembly 128 of FIG. 3A in accordance with one or more implementations.FIG. 3B provides another view of an arrangement of the permanent magnet308 in a fixed position relative to the gear 302 of the rotary assembly128. As the gear 302 is turned, different teeth of the gear becomealigned with the permanent magnet 308. The rotational resistance for themagnetic detent is created due to variation in torque as the gears andgaps between teeth alternately align with the permanent magnet 308.

In this context, FIG. 4 depicts generally at 400 an example scenario foroperation of an input control that employs a magnetic detent inaccordance with one or more implementations. In particular, FIG. 4 is adiagram that represents movement of a gear 302 of a rotary assembly 128between different positions indicated as position 402 and positon 404.In the depicted example, a plurality of teeth and gaps of the gear 302are labeled using letters A through D. In positon 402, tooth A of thegear is depicted as being aligned with the permanent magnet 308. This isa stable position due to the attraction of the magnet to the gear.During operation of the rotary assembly 128 for scrolling or other inputaction, the gear 302 turns and the permanent magnet 308 becomes alignedwith gap B between teeth A and C. This alignment with gap B is anunstable position since the magnetic field tends to pull the wheelfurther into alignment with tooth C. Consequently, the rotational torqueclimbs up in the unstable position. As rotation continues to a pointwhere tooth C is aligned with the magnet, the rotational torque dropsback down accordingly. The magnetic detent effect as discussed herein isdue to such changes in torque (e.g., changes in rotational resistance)that occur as magnetic elements of a rotor pass through the magneticfield off the permanent magnet 308. Generally, the torque changes occurin a periodic or oscillating pattern corresponding to the alternatingpattern of magnetic and non-magnetic elements.

As noted, implementations of a rotary assembly 128 may include or makeuse of an adjuster device in connection with one or more permanentmagnets. The adjuster device is designed to vary spacing between amagnet(s) controlled by the adjuster device and the rotor 202. Thiscauses corresponding changes in the level of torque and rotationalresistance applied to the rotor 202. Consequently, the adjuster devicemay be used to selectively vary the resistance in different scenarios.In addition, or alternatively, different modes of operation may bedefined and mapped to respective levels of torque/resistance andcorresponding spacing between the magnet(s) and rotor. For example, oneor multiple detent modes that provide different levels of detent feelingmay be defined. Additionally, a fast scroll or “hyper” mode may bedefined in which the level of detent effect is reduced substantially. Inthe hyper mode, the rotor turns with effectively no additionalresistance due to the arrangement of magnets. In other words, the detenteffect is deactivated in hyper mode. Various different modes, includingbut not limited to the enumerated examples, may be selectively activatedand deactivated in response to different criteria and for differentinteraction scenarios.

Illustrated examples of adjuster devices are depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 5 and FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 5 depicts generallyat 500 a representative arrangement and scenario for a torque adjustablerotary assembly in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 5represents movement of a magnetic detent assembly 204 of a rotaryassembly 128 between different positions indicated as position 502 andpositon 504 due to operation of an adjuster device. In this example, anadjuster device in the form of a torque adjusting gear 506 that isconnected to magnetic detent assembly 204 and configured to drive themagnetic detent assembly 204 into different positions relative to therotor 202 using mechanical gear action. The detent effect, though, isstill produced magnetically.

In position 502, the torque adjusting gear 506 moves the magnetic detentassembly 204 relatively close to the rotor 202 such that spacing 508between the magnetic detent assembly 204 and rotor 202 is relativelysmall. On the other hand, in position 504, the torque adjusting gear 506moves the magnetic detent assembly 204 away from the rotor 202 such thatspacing 508 between the magnetic detent assembly 204 and rotor isrelatively large. The effect of the magnetic field applied by themagnetic detent assembly 204 diminishes as distance increases.Consequently, the detent effect is greater in position 502 than inpositon 504. Various intermediate positions may provide intermediatelevels of detent effect between those attained in position 502 andpositon 504. Modes of operations for the rotary assembly 128 as notedabove may be defined to correspond to respective positions that areachieved through setting of the torque adjusting gear 506 to vary thespacing between the magnetic detent assembly 204 and rotor 202accordingly.

FIG. 6 depicts generally at 600 another representative arrangement andscenario for a torque adjustable rotary assembly in accordance with oneor more implementations. As with FIG. 5, FIG. 6 represents movement of amagnetic detent assembly 204 of a rotary assembly 128 between differentpositions indicated as position 602 and positon 604 due to operation ofan adjuster device. In this example, an adjuster device in the form ofan actuator 606 that is connected to magnetic detent assembly 204 andconfigured to drive the magnetic detent assembly 204 into differentpositions relative to the rotor 202. Here, the actuator 606 is operableto move the rotary assembly 128 to multiple different positionsincluding at least the positions indicated as position 602 and positon604. In position 602 the magnetic detent assembly 204 is relativelyclose to the rotor 202 such that spacing 608 between the magnetic detentassembly 204 and rotor 202 is relatively small. Consequently, rotationalresistance applied to the rotor 202 is relatively high. On the otherhand, in position 604, the magnetic detent assembly 204 is moved awayfrom the rotor 202 such that spacing 608 between the magnetic detentassembly 204 and rotor is relatively large. Thus, in position 604,rotational resistance applied to the rotor 202 is comparatively low.Various other implementations of an adjuster device are alsocontemplated.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depicts depict respective arrangement of magnetsrelative to a rotor of a rotary assembly in accordance with one or moreimplementations. In particular, FIG. 7A depicts generally at 700, anarrangement of a pair of magnets 308 positioned on opposing sides of arotor 202. In this example, each of the magnets is spaced apart from therotor 202 on along a respective side of the rotor and centered on a lineparallel to axis of rotation 702. The magnets are located radiallyinside of a rim of the rotor in alignment with the magnetic elementsalong the side of the rotor. The magnets 308 may be fixed at variouslocations on the interior of the rim and radially outward from the axisof rotation 702. In an implementation, an adjuster device is provided toselectively adjust spacing for one or both of the magnets in the mannerdescribed herein.

FIG. 7B depicts generally at 704, an arrangement of a magnet 308 outsideof a rim of a rotor 202. In this example, the magnet is spaced apart adistance from the rim surface of the rotor 202 radially outward from theaxis of rotation 702. The magnet is positioned roughly in alignment witha central point of the axis of rotation 702. In this position, themagnet is configured to operate upon multiple magnetic elements that arespaced equally around the rotor, such as gear teeth or spoke elements ofthe rotor.

The example arrangements of FIGS. 7A and 7B are provided asrepresentative examples. Various other arrangements and combinations arealso contemplated. In general, a magnet detent device 204 as discussedin this document is configured to include an arrangement of one ormultiple magnets that are aligned to exert magnetic rotationalresistance upon a rotor. The arrangement of one or multiple magnets mayinclude magnets on one or both sides, magnets around a rim of the rotor,or a combination of magnets placed alongside the rotor and around therim.

Having considered example details and procedures for a magnetic detent,consider a discussion of an example system in accordance with one ormore implementations.

Example System and Device

FIG. 8 illustrates an example system generally at 800 that includes anexample computing device 802 that is representative of one or morecomputing systems and/or devices that may implement the varioustechniques described herein. The computing device 802 may be, forexample, be configured to assume a mobile configuration through use of ahousing formed and size to be grasped and carried by one or more handsof a user, illustrated examples of which include a mobile phone, mobilegame and music device, and tablet computer although other examples arealso contemplated.

The example computing device 802 as illustrated includes a processingsystem 804, one or more computer-readable media 806, and one or more I/Ointerface 808 that are communicatively coupled, one to another. Althoughnot shown, the computing device 802 may further include a system bus orother data and command transfer system that couples the variouscomponents, one to another. A system bus can include any one orcombination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processoror local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. Avariety of other examples are also contemplated, such as control anddata lines.

The processing system 804 is representative of functionality to performone or more operations using hardware. Accordingly, the processingsystem 804 is illustrated as including hardware element 810 that may beconfigured as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This mayinclude implementation in hardware as an application specific integratedcircuit or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors.The hardware elements 810 are not limited by the materials from whichthey are formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein. Forexample, processors may be comprised of semiconductor(s) and/ortransistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such acontext, processor-executable instructions may beelectronically-executable instructions.

The computer-readable storage media 806 is illustrated as includingmemory/storage 812. The memory/storage 812 represents memory/storagecapacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. Thememory/storage component 812 may include volatile media (such as randomaccess memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory(ROM), Flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). Thememory/storage component 812 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, afixed hard drive, and so on) as well as removable media (e.g., Flashmemory, a removable hard drive, an optical disc, and so forth). Thecomputer-readable media 806 may be configured in a variety of other waysas further described below.

Input/output interface(s) 808 are representative of functionality toallow a user to enter commands and information to computing device 802,and also allow information to be presented to the user and/or othercomponents or devices using various input/output devices. Examples ofinput devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a scanner, touch functionality (e.g., capacitiveor other sensors that are configured to detect physical touch), a camera(e.g., which may employ visible or non-visible wavelengths such asinfrared frequencies to recognize movement as gestures that do notinvolve touch), and so forth. Examples of output devices include adisplay device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, a printer, anetwork card, tactile-response device, and so forth. Thus, the computingdevice 802 may be configured in a variety of ways to support userinteraction.

The computing device 802 is further illustrated as being communicativelyand physically coupled to an input device 814 that is physically andcommunicatively removable from the computing device 802. In this way, avariety of different input devices may be coupled to the computingdevice 802 having a wide variety of configurations to support a widevariety of functionality. In this example, the input device 814 includesone or more controls 816. The controls may be configured as pressuresensitive elements, buttons, a trackpad mechanically switched keys, andso forth.

The input device 814 is further illustrated as include one or moremodules 818 that may be configured to support a variety offunctionality. The one or more modules 818, for instance, may beconfigured to process analog and/or digital signals received from thecontrols 816 to recognize inputs and gesture, determine whether an inputis indicative of resting pressure, initiate communication with acomputing device, support authentication of the input device 814 foroperation with the computing device 802, and so on. The input device 814may also be configured to incorporate a rotor assembly 128 that includesa rotor 202 and magnetic detent device 204 as previously described.

Various techniques may be described herein in the general context ofsoftware, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such modulesinclude routines, programs, objects, elements, components, datastructures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. The terms “module,” “functionality,” and“component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware,hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniquesdescribed herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniquesmay be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms havinga variety of processors.

An implementation of the described modules and techniques may be storedon or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. Thecomputer-readable media may include a variety of media that may beaccessed by the computing device 802. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media may include “computer-readablestorage media” and “computer-readable signal media.”

“Computer-readable storage media” refers to media and/or devices thatenable persistent storage of information in contrast to mere signaltransmission, carrier waves, or signals per se. Thus, computer-readablestorage media does not include transitory media or signals per se. Thecomputer-readable storage media includes hardware such as volatile andnon-volatile, removable and non-removable media and/or storage devicesimplemented in a method or technology suitable for storage ofinformation such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, logic elements/circuits, or other data. Examples ofcomputer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, hard disks,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or other storage device, tangible media, orarticle of manufacture suitable to store the desired information andwhich may be accessed by a computer.

“Computer-readable signal media” may refer to a signal-bearing mediumthat is configured to transmit instructions to the hardware of thecomputing device 802, such as via a network. Signal media typically mayembody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier waves, datasignals, or other transport mechanism. Signal media also include anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media include wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

As previously described, hardware elements 810 and computer-readablemedia 806 are representative of modules, programmable device logicand/or fixed device logic implemented in a hardware form that may beemployed in some embodiments to implement at least some aspects of thetechniques described herein, such as to perform one or moreinstructions. Hardware may include components of an integrated circuitor on-chip system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logicdevice (CPLD), and other implementations in silicon or other hardware.In this context, hardware may operate as a processing device thatperforms program tasks defined by instructions and/or logic embodied bythe hardware as well as a hardware utilized to store instructions forexecution, e.g., the computer-readable storage media describedpreviously.

Combinations of the foregoing may also be employed to implement varioustechniques described herein. Accordingly, software, hardware, orexecutable modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and/orlogic embodied on some form of computer-readable storage media and/or byone or more hardware elements 810. The computing device 802 may beconfigured to implement particular instructions and/or functionscorresponding to the software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly,implementation of a module that is executable by the computing device802 as software may be achieved at least partially in hardware, e.g.,through use of computer-readable storage media and/or hardware elements810 of the processing system 804. The instructions and/or functions maybe executable/operable by one or more articles of manufacture (forexample, one or more computing devices 802 and/or processing systems804) to implement techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

Example Implementations

Example implementations of techniques described herein include, but arenot limited to, one or any combinations of one or more of the followingexamples:

EXAMPLE 1

An input device comprising: an interface configured to enablecommunication of signals; and a rotor assembly operable to generate thesignals, the rotor assembly including: a rotor that rotates around anaxis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elements disposed aroundthe rotor; and a permanent magnet arranged radially outward from theaxis of rotation and configured to apply a magnetic field to themagnetic elements creating a magnetic detent effect when the rotor isrotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magneticelements pass through the magnetic field.

EXAMPLE 2

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the multiple magnetic elements are spaced equallyaround the rotor.

EXAMPLE 3

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, further comprising an encoder device configured to capture dataregarding rotation of the rotor and convert the data into the inputsignals for communication to the computing device.

EXAMPLE 4

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the input device comprises a computer mouse and therotor comprises a scroll wheel integrated with the computer mouse.

EXAMPLE 5

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the magnetic elements are disposed to create multiplediscrete points of magnetic resistance around the rotor.

EXAMPLE 6

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the rotor includes a metal gear and the magneticelements comprise teeth of the metal gear.

EXAMPLE 7

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the teeth of the metal gear create the detent effectunder the influence of the magnetic field based on rotational torquedifferences existing between alignment of the permanent magnetic withteeth and alignment of the permanent magnetic in-between teeth.

EXAMPLE 8

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the magnetic elements are interspersed in analternating pattern around the rotor with regions having magneticattraction lower than the magnetic elements

EXAMPLE 9

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the alternating pattern creates the changes inrotational resistance as the rotor is rotated.

EXAMPLE 10

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the permanent magnet is spaced apart from the rotorradially outside of a rim of the rotor in a position to align with themagnetic elements disposed around the rotor proximate to the rim.

EXAMPLE 11

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the permanent magnet is spaced apart from the rotor ata position along a side of the rotor parallel to the axis of rotationand radially inside of a rim of the rotor to align with the magneticelements along the side of the rotor.

EXAMPLE 12

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein: the rotor assembly includes the permanent magnet atthe position along the side of the rotor and an additional permanentmagnet arranged at a corresponding position along an opposing side ofrotor; and the magnetic field and changes in rotational resistance areproduced by combined effects of the permanent magnet and the additionalpermanent magnet applied on opposing sides of the rotor.

EXAMPLE 13

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the permanent magnet is arranged at a fixed positionrelative to the rotor.

EXAMPLE 14

An input device as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein: the rotor assembly includes an adjuster deviceconnected to the permanent magnet and operable to change a distance ofthe permanent magnet relative to the rotor; and changing the distance ofthe permanent magnet relative to the rotor produces a correspondingchange in the rotational resistance

EXAMPLE 15

A rotor assembly for an electronic device comprising: a rotor thatrotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magneticelements spaced equally around the rotor; a permanent magnet arrangedradially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply amagnetic field to the magnetic elements creating a magnetic detenteffect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistanceproduced as the magnetic elements pass through the magnetic field; andan encoder device configured to capture data regarding rotation of therotor and convert the data into input signals supplied to controloperations of the electronic device.

EXAMPLE 16

A rotor assembly as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the rotor comprises a metal gear and the magneticelements correspond to teeth of the metal gear.

EXAMPLE 17

A rotor assembly as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the rotor assembly is configured as a control dial forthe electronic device.

EXAMPLE 18

An apparatus comprising; an interface configured to enable communicationof signals; and a rotor assembly operable to generate the input signals,the rotor assembly including: a scroll wheel that rotates around an axisof rotation and includes a metal gear having a plurality of teeth; apermanent magnet arranged radially outward from the axis of rotationoutside of a rim of the scroll wheel and configured to apply a magneticfield to the scroll wheel creating a magnetic detent effect when thescroll wheel is rotated through the magnetic field due to differentlevels of rotational torque produced when the permanent magnet isaligned with one of the plurality of teeth and when the permanent magnetis aligned in-between teeth of the metal gear; an adjuster deviceconnected to the permanent magnet operable to change a distance of thepermanent magnet relative to the scroll wheel to vary a level of therotational torque applied due to the magnetic field; and an encoderdevice configured to capture data regarding rotation of the scroll wheeland convert the data into the signals.

EXAMPLE 19

The apparatus as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the adjuster device is configured to enable multipledifferent levels of rotational torque corresponding to multiple definedmodes of operation of the scroll wheel.

EXAMPLE 20

The apparatus as described in any one or more of the examples in thissection, wherein the encoder comprises an optical encoder configured todetect one or more of scroll wheel position, speed, or distancetraveled.

CONCLUSION

Although the example implementations have been described in languagespecific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to beunderstood that the implementations defined in the appended claims isnot necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described.Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms ofimplementing the claimed features.

What is claimed is:
 1. An input device comprising: an interfaceconfigured to enable communication of signals; and a rotor assemblyoperable to generate the signals, the rotor assembly including: a rotorthat rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magneticelements disposed around the rotor; and a permanent magnet arrangedradially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply amagnetic field to the magnetic elements creating a magnetic detenteffect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistanceproduced as the magnetic elements pass through the magnetic field.
 2. Aninput device as described in claim 1, wherein the multiple magneticelements are spaced equally around the rotor.
 3. An input device asdescribed in claim 1, further comprising an encoder device configured tocapture data regarding rotation of the rotor and convert the data intothe input signals for communication to the computing device.
 4. An inputdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the input device comprises acomputer mouse and the rotor comprises a scroll wheel integrated withthe computer mouse.
 5. An input device as described in claim 1, whereinthe magnetic elements are disposed to create multiple discrete points ofmagnetic resistance around the rotor.
 6. An input device as described inclaim 1, wherein the rotor includes a metal gear and the magneticelements comprise teeth of the metal gear.
 7. An input device asdescribed in claim 6, wherein the teeth of the metal gear create thedetent effect under the influence of the magnetic field based onrotational torque differences existing between alignment of thepermanent magnetic with teeth and alignment of the permanent magneticin-between teeth.
 8. An input device as described in claim 1, whereinthe magnetic elements are interspersed in an alternating pattern aroundthe rotor with regions having magnetic attraction lower than themagnetic elements
 9. An input device as described in claim 8, whereinthe alternating pattern creates the changes in rotational resistance asthe rotor is rotated.
 10. An input device as described in claim 1,wherein the permanent magnet is spaced apart from the rotor radiallyoutside of a rim of the rotor in a position to align with the magneticelements disposed around the rotor proximate to the rim.
 11. An inputdevice as described in claim 1, wherein the permanent magnet is spacedapart from the rotor at a position along a side of the rotor parallel tothe axis of rotation and radially inside of a rim of the rotor to alignwith the magnetic elements along the side of the rotor.
 12. An inputdevice as described in claim 11, wherein: the rotor assembly includesthe permanent magnet at the position along the side of the rotor and anadditional permanent magnet arranged at a corresponding position alongan opposing side of rotor; and the magnetic field and changes inrotational resistance are produced by combined effects of the permanentmagnet and the additional permanent magnet applied on opposing sides ofthe rotor.
 13. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein thepermanent magnet is arranged at a fixed position relative to the rotor.14. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein: the rotor assemblyincludes an adjuster device connected to the permanent magnet andoperable to change a distance of the permanent magnet relative to therotor; and changing the distance of the permanent magnet relative to therotor produces a corresponding change in the rotational resistance
 15. Arotor assembly for an electronic device comprising: a rotor that rotatesaround an axis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elementsspaced equally around the rotor; a permanent magnet arranged radiallyoutward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply a magneticfield to the magnetic elements creating a magnetic detent effect whenthe rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced asthe magnetic elements pass through the magnetic field; and an encoderdevice configured to capture data regarding rotation of the rotor andconvert the data into input signals supplied to control operations ofthe electronic device.
 16. A rotor assembly as described in claim 15,wherein the rotor comprises a metal gear and the magnetic elementscorrespond to teeth of the metal gear.
 17. A rotor assembly as describedin claim 15, wherein the rotor assembly is configured as a control dialfor the electronic device.
 18. An apparatus comprising; an interfaceconfigured to enable communication of signals; and a rotor assemblyoperable to generate the input signals, the rotor assembly including: ascroll wheel that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes ametal gear having a plurality of teeth; a permanent magnet arrangedradially outward from the axis of rotation outside of a rim of thescroll wheel and configured to apply a magnetic field to the scrollwheel creating a magnetic detent effect when the scroll wheel is rotatedthrough the magnetic field due to different levels of rotational torqueproduced when the permanent magnet is aligned with one of the pluralityof teeth and when the permanent magnet is aligned in-between teeth ofthe metal gear; an adjuster device connected to the permanent magnetoperable to change a distance of the permanent magnet relative to thescroll wheel to vary a level of the rotational torque applied due to themagnetic field; and an encoder device configured to capture dataregarding rotation of the scroll wheel and convert the data into thesignals.
 19. The apparatus as described in claim 18, wherein theadjuster device is configured to enable multiple different levels ofrotational torque corresponding to multiple defined modes of operationof the scroll wheel.
 20. The apparatus as described in claim 18, whereinthe encoder comprises an optical encoder configured to detect one ormore of scroll wheel position, speed, or distance traveled.